Hancock, John, as President of Congress

1 1/2 pages, folio (12 1/2 x 7 3/4 in.; 316 x 196 mm), Philadelphia, 2 October 1776, docketed on verso "Letter from the President of Congress October 2d requiring full delegation from this state in Congress"; formerly folded, fold-tears obscuring a few words, frayed margins renewed affecting a few letters, tears patched, silked, some stains and soiling.

Letters of Delegates to Congress 5:290

formerly folded, fold-tears obscuring a few words, frayed margins renewed with loss of a few letters, tears patched, silked, some stains and soiling
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Requiring attendance at the Continental Congress, with a fine large signature.

Edward Rutledge presented a motion in Congress on 1 October requiring all absent members to attend, and the motion was passed unanimously, implemented by the present letter. The President of Congress recognizing that "The Congress being at present deeply engaged in matters of the utmost importance to the welfare of America, have judged it absolutely necessary that there should be a full representation of the several States as soon as possible. For this end, I am to request, in obedience to their commands, you will immediately take proper measures to comply with the enclosed resolves, in order that the United States may be fully represented in Congress, and the sentiments of America be more fully known upon those interesting subjects that lie before them."

This version of the letter was sent to the Assemblies of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The versions sent to the northern states included an initial paragraph about insufficiency of surgeons.